Jeep Avenger

FIRST DRIVE Stellantis know-how makes Jeep's first EV a success

- Richard Ingram

IN the same way we never expected to see the likes of Ferrari and Aston Martin build an SUV, a Jeep with little true off-road prowess could be considered sacrilege in the eyes of brand purists around the world.

And yet, with the compact SUV segment now the second-biggest in Europe, and Jeep looking to extend its low and zero-emission reach in key markets, it's using all of parent company Stellantis's platform know-how, launching its first EV with two-wheel drive.

Jeep's smallest model uses Stellantis's latest tech, which means a 54kWh battery for a maximum range of up to 248 miles (245 on models in Summit trim). That's less than cars such as the Hyundai Kona Electric, but still competitive.

Charging is, again, on par with most rivals, but not class-leading. The 100kW maximum speed is still enough for a 20-80 per cent top-up in 24 minutes, though.

The Avenger is a compact car - one of the smallest in its class, in fact. At 4,084mm long, it's 126mm shorter than a Nissan Juke, and 216mm shorter than the Peugeot 2008, despite sharing that car's basic platform. The Jeep's tiny front and rear overhangs, wide track and significant 200mm of ground clearance give it a chunky look, while inside the Avenger feels roomy - even for adults over six-feet tall.